Ireland’s Southern Charms—9 day tour
Starting in Dublin this tour explores the city’s elegant architecture before venturing south to County Kerry, with its landscapes of outstanding natural beauty. Admire the rugged mountains and peaceful lakes surrounding Killarney before venturing along the craggy southern coastline. Time is also spent visiting heritage sites near Limerick and Cork, returning to Dublin via the maritime city of Waterford.
Included Highlights
- Dublin City Tour
- Irish National Stud
- Bunratty Medieval Banquet
- Ring of Kerry
- Blarney Castle
- Waterford Crystal Factory Tour
Hotel Nights
- Dublin 1
- Limerick 2
- Killarney 2
- Waterford 1
- Dublin 2
Day 1 Dublin
Arrive at Dublin airport. Céad Míle Fáilte – a hundred thousand welcomes to Ireland’s capital city. A professional Dublin guide meets and accompanies us by motor coach on a panoramic tour of this lively city. Visits are included to St Patrick’s Cathedral as well as Trinity College where we see the famed illustrated medieval manuscript known as The Book of Kells. See O’Connell and Grafton Streets and stroll along the banks of the River Liffey.
Overnight Dublin
Day 2 Limerick
We leave the River Liffey behind us and travel west across the green Irish countryside. The Irish passion for horses is well known so we make a stop at The Irish National Stud to visit the mares and foals on a stroll down the Tully Walk. Our next port of call is ancient Lough Derg. Follow in the footsteps of hermits, heroes, soldiers, raiders and pilgrims as we take the Lough Derg drive before arriving in Limerick.
Overnight Limerick
Day 3 Bunratty Castle
Morning at leisure to explore the historic city of Limerick, set on the banks of the beautiful River Shannon. This afternoon we visit Bunratty Castle, a medieval fortress built in 1425. Also within the grounds is the Bunratty Folk Park, where 19th Century life has been vividly recreated. This evening we take our places at the candlelit, long oak tables for an atmospheric Medieval Banquet, held in the resplendent halls at Bunratty Castle.
Overnight Limerick
Day 4 Ring of Kerry – Killarney
The Ring of Kerry is a highlight of any tour to Ireland. Famous for its rugged beauty and fine scenery, the Ring of Kerry is also home to intriguing attractions such as the Bog Village. This unique thatched village provides an insight into how people lived and worked in 18th Century Ireland. Continuing our scenic journey we see Moll’s gap and admire Ladies View before descending into the lakeside town of Killarney.
Overnight Killarney
Day 5 Killarney
Killarney has been recognised by many for centuries as Ireland's most beautiful destination. The town has a vibrant atmosphere, helped along by the extremely friendly locals. You can stay in the town and enjoy the regular street markets, the lakeside setting or explore the shops and the many pubs, most of which have traditional music sessions. Nearby you can take excursions to Kate Kearney's cottage and the Gap of Dunloe or explore the Victorian Mansion, gardens, craft workshops and traditional farms of Muckross House, within the Killarney National Park.
Overnight Killarney
Day 6 Blarney Castle – Cobh – Waterford
We bid a fond farewell to Killarney and journey to Blarney Castle, where you may wish to kiss the legendary Stone of Eloquence. Travelling via Cork we visit the evocative Cobh Heritage Centre and Queenstown Story. Cobh was the last port of call for the ill-fated ‘Titanic’ and also the last place in Europe seen by 2.5 million émigrés en route to the New World. Continue to the Viking city of Waterford.
Overnight Waterford
Day 7 Avoca – Dublin
Our day begins with a visit to the renowned Waterford Crystal Factory Visitors Centre. This is not just a museum but also a working factory where you can admire generations of craftsmanship. Travelling towards County Wicklow we drive into an isolated and beautiful valley where we pause to visit the Avoca Hand Weavers. They have been weaving here since 1723, making it Ireland’s oldest working woollen mill and longest surviving business. A journey through the gentle countryside brings us back to Dublin.
Overnight Dublin
Day 8 Dublin
A day at leisure in Dublin. Enjoy a coffee at Bewley’s on Grafton Street, visit Dublin Castle, soak up the atmosphere of Temple Bar or pick up some last minute souvenirs along O’Connell Street. The tour ends this evening with an Irish themed dinner and traditional musical entertainment.
Overnight Dublin
Day 9 Dublin
Group transfer to Dublin Airport. We will be pleased to tailor your tour to suit your preferred arrival and departure airports.
You can find out more about our service on the Your Tour and Tour Price page. Please do email or call us to discuss your requirements. All quotations are provided free of charge and without obligation. We look forward to hearing from you.